Echoes of Dissent: The Unheard Voices of Korach’s Sons

Most studies of Parashat Korach typically omit his children, Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph (Ex. 6:24). But their story offers valuable guidance, especially because the choices they make are distinct from and in response to their father’s.

For context, Korach was from the tribe of Levi and a cousin of Moses and Aaron. Despite an honored position in the community, Korach’s internal sense of dissatisfaction led him to challenge not just the authority of Moses and Aaron but God’s choice in having appointed them. He inspires a rabble that threatens Israelite society by tearing it apart.

In the end, Korach’s rebellion was quashed miraculously. God caused the earth to open and swallow everyone associated with Korach, including hundreds of his direct followers and many more influenced by his demagoguery (Num. 16:32). The consequences were dire. However, a curious detail emerges later: “The sons of Korach did not die. (Num. 26:11)”

This raises a profound question. How could it be that, while everyone associated with Korach perished, his sons survived? We even find Psalms (42, 44–49) attributed to the children of Korach.

Many midrashim attempt to explain this. One such story suggests that the sons of Korach recognized their father’s wrongdoing. Although they didn’t want to disrespect their father, they understood the importance of honoring their teacher, Moses. When Moses passed by, they stood up out of respect, despite their father’s rebellion (Yalkut Shimoni). This act of conscience, this pause in the midst of chaos, earned them their place in history having demonstrated an essential leadership quality: the ability to pause, reflect, and change direction. They weren’t swept away by the mob mentality, even though it came from someone close to them. Instead, they chose a path of respect and discernment.

Psalm 45, one of the chapters attributed to the sons of Korach, begins with the words, “A song of beloved friends,” reflecting a profound journey from rebellion to enlightenment, from chaos to clarity. The opening words of Psalm 45 include the phrase “al shoshanim/upon roses,” perhaps highlighting their ability to find beauty and righteousness amidst the turmoil they inherited. This version of Korach’s children’s story reinforces the importance of cultivating the capacity to pause, reflect, and make conscious choices rather than being driven by the contagious fervor of the moment.

Another midrash suggests that the children of Korach performed teshuvah (repentance) while being swallowed by the earth. They sang songs of shame and repentance to God, and from this act of sincere remorse, they were able to rise again, like roses sprouting from the earth (Talmud Sanhedrin 110a).

In these moments of uncertainty, may we all find the strength to pause and change direction if necessary. Mob mentality and insurrection harm society deeply, and our actions in these critical moments matter greatly. If we do our jobs well, we might be blessed to find harmony and beauty in surprising places, to see roses among thorns.

May we be blessed to help the world take one step in the right direction, to recognize when a change of course is needed, and to act with integrity and hope. As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks taught, the difference between optimism and hope is crucial. Optimism is the belief that the world will get better on its own, while hope is the commitment to do something to help fix the world. That commitment is on us.